Petit Griffon Bleu de GascogneShaggy blue hound with a big voice

History and Origin

Gascony in southwestern France is home to a family of blue hounds, all marked by a white coat so heavily ticked with black that it looks slate blue. The Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is the rough-coated member of that family. It is believed to have developed from the region's blue hounds combined with local griffon (wire-coated) hounds, giving it a harsher coat for hunting in dense cover in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

It is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 and stands about 19 to 22 inches (roughly 48 to 57 cm) tall. Despite the word petit, it is a mid-sized dog; the name sets it apart from the larger Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It hunts hare above all, and in packs it is also used on fox and wild boar.

Size, Coat and Color

The Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a mid-sized, rough-coated scenthound standing about 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder. Males are generally at the upper end of the range and slightly more substantial, with females a little smaller and finer.

The body is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and strong hindquarters. The head is moderately long, with eyebrows, a light beard and thin, curled ears that hang down to about the end of the muzzle. The tail is long and carried like a saber.

The coat is rough, harsh and fairly short, a little longer on the face. The color is the classic Gascony blue: a white base so heavily mottled with black that the dog looks slate blue, with larger black patches. Tan markings appear above the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the legs and under the tail. The tan spots above the eyes give the typical four-eyed look.

It is smaller and more compact than the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and has a rougher coat than the smooth Gascony blue hounds.

Temperament and Personality

This hound is lively, alert and often bouncy, with an affectionate, people-loving side. It usually enjoys company and is cuddly with its family. Because it was bred to work in a pack, it typically gets along with other dogs.

Its voice is a feature of the breed: hunters prize its loud, carrying bay. In a pet home that same voice can be a problem, especially when the dog is bored or alone.

Are Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascognes Good Family Dogs?

They can be, in the right family. At home, they are affectionate, cuddly and usually gentle with people, and they typically enjoy other dogs.

The challenges are their hunting drive, voice and exercise needs. A family needs time for long daily outings, scent work and secure fencing. Children should be taught not to let the dog slip out through open doors or gates. Small pets may trigger the chase instinct. Rural families who hunt or spend a lot of time outdoors are the best match for this lively, sociable hound.

Are Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascognes Good for First-Time Owners?

Usually not. While the breed is friendly and affectionate, its voice, prey drive and exercise needs are demanding, and it was bred mainly for hunting in packs.

First-time owners would need to provide long daily walks or runs, regular scent work and a secure environment. Recall is rarely reliable, and the dog may bay when bored or left alone. Training requires patience and food rewards. Because the breed is extremely rare outside France, local support and experienced trainers are hard to find. Experienced hound owners are better placed to meet its needs.

Are Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascognes Easy to Train?

They are moderately easy to train with food and play, but expect independence when a scent is around. This hound was bred to follow a trail on its own, so it may ignore cues outdoors.

Training works best with:

• Short, fun sessions with high-value rewards.
• Early recall work on a long line.
• Scent games and tracking that use natural instincts.

Basic house manners are usually learned without much trouble. Harsh corrections tend to backfire with this sensitive, cheerful breed. Many hunters train these dogs in packs, where they learn from experienced hounds.

Exercise and Training

Exercise needs are high. This is a hound that hunts for hours, so daily long walks, runs on varied ground and regular scent work are essential. It shines in tracking, trailing games and, of course, hunting.

• Training is moderately easy if you use food and play. Expect some independence when a scent is around.
• Use a leash or long line in open areas. Prey drive is very strong.
• Avoid leaving it alone for long periods. It handles isolation poorly and is likely to bay.

Grooming and Shedding

The coat is rough, harsh and fairly short, designed to shed mud and resist brambles. A weekly brushing removes dead hair and debris. Occasional hand-stripping keeps the outline neat, and the dog does not need clipping.

Check the long, hanging ears weekly and clean them as needed. After hunts, check feet and coat for thorns and ticks.

Feeding and Nutrition

The Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is an active working hound that should stay lean and muscular. Dogs that hunt regularly need more food during the season, while pets need less, so adjust portions to activity. The rough coat can hide extra weight, so check by touch: ribs should be easy to feel.

• Feed adults two meals a day; puppies three or four.
• Avoid hard exercise for an hour before and after meals.
• Feed dogs separately in multi-dog homes to control portions.

Puppies should grow steadily on a balanced diet suited to medium-sized breeds. Avoid overfeeding to protect developing joints.

Like most scenthounds, these dogs are skilled scavengers. Secure trash and food, and teach a solid leave-it for walks. The beard can collect food and water, so wipe it after meals. Long ears may dip into bowls; narrow, deep bowls help. After long hunts, provide water and allow the dog to rest before feeding. Food rewards are effective in training, but count them in the daily ration.

Health and Lifespan

No breed-specific hereditary problems are well documented for the Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne. It is a moderately built working hound. Ear infections from the long drop ears and injuries from rough terrain are the most common everyday concerns.

Reliable breed lifespan data is lacking. Buy from breeders who can show health information for both parents and who raise puppies in a home environment.

Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne Price and Cost of Ownership

The Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is extremely rare outside France, and there is no reliable US price range. Most dogs are imported from French breeders, which adds travel, paperwork and possibly a flight nanny. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines. Many French breeders place puppies mainly with hunters.

Rescue availability in the US is essentially nonexistent, though hound rescues sometimes place similar dogs.

Breed-specific ongoing costs include:

• Secure fencing and a GPS collar for a scent-driven hound.
• Ear cleaning supplies and treatment for ear infections.
• Occasional hand-stripping to keep the rough coat tidy.
• Vet care for injuries from rough terrain and hunting.

Is the Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne Right for You?

This hound is best for hunters and outdoor families in rural areas who can live with a dog that bays. It is not suited to apartments or to homes where it would be left alone during long workdays.

• Good fit: hunting households, homes with other dogs, owners with secure land.
• Poor fit: close neighbors, small apartments, owners wanting reliable off-leash recall.